SAULT STE. MARIE — Though the 4th annual Sault Area Chamber Chase kicks off on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 28, volunteers and event organizers are already hard at work — to ensure a smooth running race/walk.

The event — which includes a marathon, half marathon, bridge run and 5k run/walk — provides participants with an opportunity to run across the International Bridge and along the St. Marys River, before concluding at city hall.

"I think it was an idea that kind of grew from community members and the Chamber," Chamber Executive Director Stephanie Kisner said. "Each year it has been successful and growing."

Since the Chase's inception four years ago, the event has steadily grown. Last year, there was a total of 308 runners. So far this year, over 200 runners have registered.

Online registration closes at 3 a.m. on Sept. 26, though on-site registration will be conducted on Sept. 27 and 28.

Because the registration window hasn't closed yet, Kisner expects to see this year's race numbers surpass all those in the past.

"We'll have more runners than last year," she explained. "Each year we have more community participation. We have more local runners and runners from out of town. It's a big event for us and the community as a whole."

Over 100 community members will work as volunteers at the event, cheering on runners; outlining the race route; stopping traffic; manning water stations; setting up equipment; assembling trophies and awards; gathering supplies and cleaning up the race's aftermath.

"Volunteers go out at 3 or 4 a.m. on the day of the race, to set up cones and water stations," Kisner said. "We have lots of different types of volunteers and responsibilities. There's a whole lot of sponsors and people running or volunteering that are coming forward."

Still, all this hard work to put together the fundraiser — which benefits the Chamber and another local nonprofit, Girls on the Run — is worth it.

"We've had a lot of positive feedback from the community," Kisner said. "People really like it, and they like travelers and people coming to the area. It's really extended out to create a good community feel."